Royal Gorge Bridge & Park's white buffalo herd has new temporary home

Brownie and her baby, Smokey, in their new home. (Courtesy Photo / Royal Gorge Bridge & Park)

Brownie watches over her little baby, Smokey, right, and his friend, Fireball, who is only 12 days older, Wednesday in their new environment. (Courtesy Photo / Royal Gorge Bridge & Park)

The white buffalo herd at the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park has a new, temporary home.

The animals were moved Wednesday where they have plenty of room to play, explore and roam.

"They now have a 3,000-acre ranch to play on," said General Manager Mike Bandera.

The entire herd of buffalo, and all the animals at the bridge and park, survived the Royal Gorge Fire that struck June 11, leaving most of the structures in rubble.

Peggy Gair, Human Resource and Public Relations Manager, said all of the buffalo carry a white recessive gene and the most famous in the herd, Smokey, has had a tremendous national and Facebook following since his birth on June 15. Firefighters on premises containing the fire that day gave him his name. Smokey's birth brought hope to those concerned for the animals' welfare and safety during the fire. A week before the fire, another bull calf was born named Fireball.

Smokey, just a few weeks old, and his mother, Brownie, and the white buffalo herd will roam on the ranch belonging to Keith Seibert, owner of Black Canyon Bulls, just "over the hill" from the park, Gair said.

"Keith graciously offered free board for the next couple of years, or until we make a decision on a Wildlife Park in our new park," Bandera said.

Tom Cox, manager of the Wildlife Park and animal caretaker, said he will continue to follow the animals' progress at their new location.

"I plan on keeping everyone updated on Smokey's progress throughout the year," he said. "I want to watch him grow."

Visit Royal Gorge Bridge & Park on Facebook for photos, information and updates on the park animals and the repair of the bridge and park.

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